[70chevelleSS]

Debating on whether to go with a full on long tube setup vs primary cat delete pipes.
Only reason I shy away from headers is the fact that I do not have access to a lift for install. Whatever I do will have to be done from jack stands.
So as far as sound and power, how much will I really be giving up going with a cat delete instead of longtubes? I am pretty much FBO at this point with the exception of headers.
Obviously a cat delete would be a much simpler install.
Opinions?

[oldman]

i did headers on jackstands, I also did primary cat deletes. I would do headers and wrap the starter and plug wires... I really did not think headers were that bad....

[70chevelleSS]

Originally Posted by oldman

i did headers on jackstands, I also did primary cat deletes. I would do headers and wrap the starter and plug wires... I really did not think headers were that bad....

I really didn’t think they would be too bad to install. But everyone on here seems to say that it is a real PITA to do without a lift. The passenger side definitely looks like it would be a little tight.

Anyways thanks for the reply. I think headers probably would be better in the long run anyways. I was just looking into cat deletes because the install would be extremely easy compared to headers.

[Jfmoore79]

I have cat deletes only and will be swapping to long tubes in the future. I am not sure about how much horsepower is left on the table, maybe 20ish, but the sound of the deletes only is way to raspy for my liking.

[KingLT1]

Originally Posted by Jfmoore79

I have cat deletes only and will be swapping to long tubes in the future. I am not sure about how much horsepower is left on the table, maybe 20ish, but the sound of the deletes only is way to raspy for my liking.

Rasp gets worse with headers if you have the stock muffler.

Cat deletes are worth 10-12whp.

Long tube headers are worth 20-25 without cats. 15 with highflow cars.

Fwiw A 650whp Magnuson car only gained 19 whp going from New Era Performance cat deletes to LTH's.

I'm not saying headers are not worth it, they will net gains, but they also will increase the sound level substantially.

[Dysan911]

I would also say don't let the thought that installing LT's hold you back from doing it. I did mine on jack stands and honestly there was really nothing at all difficult whatsoever. It helps to have 1 other person laying under the car to help you as you guide the header into place. I am running ARH 1-7/8's Ceramic coated. The passenger side went in from the bottom no problem and the drivers side dropped right in from the top.

[oldman]

If I had to do it all again (car makes too much power to ever hook), I would have coated the stock headers, and did some minor porting). Run the CA pipes, move the rear 02 behind the second set of cats. Probably coat and /or wrap the CA pipes.

As an aside, I only partially wrapped the header on the start side. I come from a time that wrapped headers cracked. I know that stainless is more resistant to this. My question is does wrapping a modern header complete lead to crack due to loss atoms in the matrix? I just don't know. Hence I only wrapped my header near the starter.

If I was going to stay NA, I think I would select 2" with cats, coated, and / or wrapped. NA can use the extra HP and don't forget that huge mid-range torque boost. I just feel that on my street tire, street car, with too much power, the LT were just overkill on an already overkill setup.

[70chevelleSS]

Originally Posted by Jfmoore79

I have cat deletes only and will be swapping to long tubes in the future. I am not sure about how much horsepower is left on the table, maybe 20ish, but the sound of the deletes only is way to raspy for my liking.

Stock mufflers? I have the flowmaster American thunder npp and it is very deep. It could almost use a little more rasp to it as it is right now. Sounds good but almost like a truck.

[KingLT1]

Originally Posted by 70chevelleSS

Stock mufflers? I have the flowmaster American thunder npp and it is very deep. It could almost use a little more rasp to it as it is right now. Sounds good but almost like a truck.

That exhaust with Headers will be really loud with no cats. I have cat deletes with the same exhaust and it's Loud with the valves open. Not raspy at all tho. I can' take a video if you want.

[70chevelleSS]

Originally Posted by KingLT1

That exhaust with Headers will be really loud with no cats. I have cat deletes with the same exhaust and it's Loud with the valves open. Not raspy at all tho. I can' take a video if you want.

Is it still obnoxiously loud with the valves closed? Or will I be pissing the neighborhood off either way?

As long as it’s not louder than I am currently with the valves open with cats then it shouldn’t be an issue.

[KingLT1]

No its still fairly tame with the valves closed. For reference, if I pull up to a drive-thru with the valves closed, the person on the other end can still hear me. One of things I do like about this exhaust is there is a noticeable difference in sound between the valves open and closed.

[70chevelleSS]

Originally Posted by KingLT1

No its still fairly tame with the valves closed. For reference, if I pull up to a drive-thru with the valves closed, the person on the other end can still hear me. One of things I do like about this exhaust is there is a noticeable difference in sound between the valves open and closed.

What brand of cat deletes do you have? I saw in another thread where you linked the clamp you used to get rid of exhaust leaks.

[red6.2]

It all depends on your goals and sound preference. There are times tho that cat deletes will leak abit if you dont torque it down right or if not clamped well. Also it will not sound that great compared to headers. there are many vairables. If i were you i would get LT's and have a shop install it for like 500 since they have all the tools and knowleadge to do it. Trust me on this, you will pay double if you attempt to do it with the lack of tools. and you will leave like +10hp by going cat deletes compared to Lt"s

[KingLT1]

Originally Posted by 70chevelleSS

What brand of cat deletes do you have? I saw in another thread where you linked the clamp you used to get rid of exhaust leaks.

CA performance(now defunct).

I used some ultra copper with a two bolt band clamp and no leaks. However I don't think there are any "bolt in" cat deletes available on the market now. The ones that are available require cutting and remove the secondaries.